College Algebra / Unit 1 Alg 011 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Exponents Before Negation
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The idea
An exponent binds to the base directly beneath it, so a leading negative sign waits: −3² means the opposite of 3², which is −9.
In practice
Parentheses change the base: (−3)² squares −3 itself and equals 9. The parentheses, not the sign, decide what gets squared.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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